A Cowboy Firefighter For Christmas (Smokin' Hot Cowboys 1) (23 page)

Trey felt a great tenderness wash over him. He crushed Misty against his chest, stroking down her back with hands gone hot. He molded her to the length of him as night slowly fell across the ranch and wrapped them in a soft cocoon of gray shadows. He felt as if no one else existed except the two of them in this time and place of new beginnings.

He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead before he tilted up her face so he could look into her luminous eyes. She glowed in the soft, colorful lights of the Christmas tree, as if she truly were an angel come to Earth.

“Do you know how happy you make me?” His voice sounded low and raspy as if he’d delved deep into his soul to bring this message to her.

“Tell me.” She pressed a fingertip to the corner of his mouth as if to encourage him.

Yet no words came to him. Only feelings. He kissed her fingertips, and then placed her hand over his heart so she could feel the fast beat of his desire, the solid strength of his intent, the enduring quality of his love.

She answered him with no words. She clasped his hand and moved it from his heart to her heart. And he could feel the strong, steady beat beneath his palm—a heart that beat for him alone.

Still, he didn’t want her here under false pretenses so that she grew disillusioned with him later. It’d been so fast—their coming together—that nothing seemed quite real and yet nothing had ever seemed so real. He forced words to form in his mind and he pushed them out through reluctant lips. “You know I’m tied to my ancestral land.”

“Yes, I know.”

“Do you truly like it here?”

She reached up and softly cradled his cheek with the soft palm of her hand. “I feel as if I’ve come home.”

“But is this enough for you?”

She gazed at him with green eyes as bright as a Christmas ornament. “You’re all I need, all I want, all I desire.”

And her words were his undoing.

He kissed her, all gentleness gone in the sudden surge of heat and need that rocked him to his core. He nibbled her lips, feasting on her as he slipped inside her soft mouth to delve deep as she returned his kiss with her own urgent fervor. He couldn’t get close enough even as he wrapped her in his arms and felt her hands clasp his neck, then his shoulders, her nails digging into his skin through his T-shirt. He growled deep in his throat as he stroked downward and grasped her butt in his hands and pulled her against his hardness.

Now that she’d unleashed him, he felt as wild as a rampaging bull. He wanted more—everything she could give him. He left her mouth to trail hot kisses across her jaw to the sensitive whorls of her ear, then down her long neck, stopping to feel the fast beat of her pulse. He growled in frustration when he reached her clothes, but he remembered she wore a Western shirt. He pulled, and—snap, snap, snap—the buttons came undone. He tossed the shirt aside and pressed hot kisses to her bare flesh made festive in the lights of the Christmas tree.

He grinned in pleasure at the sight, knowing he probably looked half feral, because she backed up several steps toward the sofa. Then again, she was giving him a come-hither look that made a blaze spread out from his chest and kick into an inferno that turned him even harder with desire.

He couldn’t wait another second. He surged forward, grabbed her around the waist, and toppled her backward onto the sofa as he planted his legs between her spread thighs. Heat burst between them like a match set to kindling as he pressed her into the soft cushions.

She tugged on his T-shirt and he jerked it up, over his head, and threw it on the floor. She helped him get rid of her bra. And then they were flesh to flesh. He could feel her breasts against his chest. And still it wasn’t enough. He lifted his torso and looked down at her. She lay bare to him, all satin and silken skin in the lights of the Christmas tree. He stroked her pink nipples into hard buds, and then followed his fingertips with his lips till she moaned and clasped his shoulders, drawing him closer to her.

He grew urgent as he pushed between her thighs, feeling desperate to join them by burying himself in her hot, moist core. But their jeans separated them and he groaned in frustration as he kissed and licked and nibbled down to her belly button, where he teased her sensitive flesh. She moaned again and clutched him closer, raising her hips so that she rubbed against his hardness.

He captured her lips again, feeling their plumpness, knowing they were swollen from their desperate kisses. Once more he thrust deep into her mouth, teasing and tormenting, as he felt her naked breasts soft and plump against his chest. He raised his head and looked into her green eyes so he could watch her expression as he held her in a tight embrace and pushed against her, setting a rhythm that had her writhing up against him.

“Trey, I need you—now.” She moaned as she closed her eyes and dug her fingernails into his naked back.

He gave her a quick kiss, then pushed back and stood up. He racked his brain for the location of the nearest condom. He might have left a box in the downstairs bath, but it’d been so long since he’d needed one that he wasn’t sure anymore. He quickly walked into the bath, found a half-empty box in a drawer, pulled out several condoms, and hurried back.

When he reached the sofa, he stopped in surprise. She hadn’t waited for him. She’d taken off her jeans, set them aside, and now sat on his Frosty the Snowman blanket like the most beautiful of models. If he’d been hot before, now he felt like a flaming torch.

She smiled up at him, glanced down at his jeans, and pursed her lips in disapproval, but still beckoned him closer.

He couldn’t shuck his jeans fast enough. He kicked them aside, feeling hard as a rock, and quickly slipped on a condom.

And then he hesitated—watching her watch him with eyes darkened by desire—as he savored the sheer pleasure of the moment. Only a few days ago he’d been alone, not knowing that he was missing a big chunk of his life till he’d flagged down his Christmas angel on Wildcat Road. Now he couldn’t imagine life without her.

With that thought, his control snapped. He dove for Misty, tumbled her onto her back, and ended up in the place he most wanted to be—wedged between her long, tantalizing legs.

“Oh, Trey,” she moaned. “Please don’t make me wait any longer.”

He pressed a soft kiss to her lips as he held her close. When she lifted her hips, he pushed into her hot depths. And knew he’d come home.

Quickly, he set the ancient rhythm. She set the blazing fire. And they moved ever closer to ecstasy as they shared their spiraling passion together.

Then she was coming apart in his arms—and he eagerly joined her.

“I don’t like leaving you here alone for the night.” Trey stopped his pickup in front of Twin Oaks under twinkling Christmas lights.

“I won’t be alone and I’ll be fine.” She put her hand on his thigh and felt his hard muscles contract under her touch. She thrilled at his response. They’d shared so much only a few hours ago that she still felt slightly giddy.

“You could stay with me.” His voice held more than a hint of stubbornness.

“My stuff’s here.”

“Stuff can be transferred.”

“You want me to move in with you after only a few days together?” She chuckled to try and lighten the mood.

“I’m worried about you.” He slanted a glance at her.

She felt captured by his gaze. She didn’t want to leave him. Once separated, she feared they might lose the bridge they’d built between them. Still, she had to trust their connection was strong, not fragile.

“Misty, you’ve undone me.” He ran a hand through his dark hair. “If anything happened to you—”

“I feel the same. But we’ve got a situation on our hands.”

“Doesn’t mean I have to like it,” he grumbled.

When she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket, she pulled it out and glanced at the caller ID. “It’s important.” She looked at Trey. “Texas Timber.”

He nodded in understanding.

“Hey, Audrey. How are you?”

“I’m okay, but I’ve been better,” Audrey said in a muted voice.

Misty sat up straighter. “What gives? Thought I’d call you first thing in the morning about the fire since there might be more news then. But I can talk now, too.”

She glanced at Trey and held a fingertip to her lips to indicate for him to be quiet. She put her cell on speakerphone so he could listen in on the conversation.

“Misty, I’m sorry,” Audrey said in her West Texas twang. “I called as soon as I found out.”

“Bad news?”

“Yes. I swear I didn’t know till a moment ago. And I only found out from a friend of mine, so I got it through the back door.”

“What’s the problem?”

“Texas Timber may not be the only player in Wildcat Bluff.”

“And that means?” Misty kept her voice neutral, although she was getting a sinking sensation in the pit of her stomach.

“National Timber is trying to acquire Texas Timber. Hostile takeover isn’t off the table.”

“But that’s vital information I should’ve had from the get-go.”

“I agree,” Audrey said. “Still, you can imagine how anxious they are not to have that information leaked by anyone.”

“But they hired me as their troubleshooter. Why wouldn’t they give me all the facts?” Misty rolled her eyes in exasperation at Trey. “Guess that explains why they were so anxious to get me here before Christmas to solve this issue before they had bigger problems.”

“You know corporate think,” Audrey said. “Need-to-know basis.”

“Bottom line.” Misty clenched her fist. “Are we looking at two separate culprits? Even worse, can I trust Texas Timber now? Are they causing problems, or is it all National Timber?”

Audrey grew quiet a moment. “I don’t think my company is at fault here. But I’m guessing they’d be real happy if you’d catch the corporate saboteurs and solve two problems at once. Sabotage would take National Timber’s play permanently off the table.”

“I see,” Misty said. “They’re counting on me to catch the arsonists and expose National Timber without knowing in advance the real situation.”

“That’s right,” Audrey agreed. “And you’d better play your hand that way or you’ll expose me.”

“What if it isn’t National Timber?” Misty glanced at Trey.

“Then we’ve got a big problem,” Audrey said.

“We’ve already got one.” Misty kept a lid on her temper, but it wasn’t easy. “Maybe I ought to call Cindi Lou and ask her to break my contract with Texas Timber right this very minute.”

“Please don’t. It could cost me my job,” Audrey pleaded. “I shouldn’t have told you any of this, but I didn’t want you in more danger than necessary.”

Trey put a hand on Misty’s arm and shook his head in the negative.

She nodded to let him know she wouldn’t abandon Wildcat Bluff, but she was mad about not getting all the information she needed to do her job right. “Okay. I won’t pull out yet.”

“Thank you,” Audrey said. “You’re the best.”

“I’ll let Cindi Lou know. She’s not going to be happy.”

“Would you tell her it’s not my fault?” Audrey asked.

“She won’t hold it against you, but Texas Timber is another matter.”

“Just find the saboteurs fast.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Thanks,” Audrey said. “And good luck.”

“Bye.” Misty clicked off her phone and glanced at Trey.

He looked disgusted with the situation. “You think the whole ball of wax is as simple as National Timber?”

“If I’d only known from the first—”

“I figure if National Timber wants to buy Texas Timber, they likely want to buy my ranch, too. Sabotage. If it’s good for the goose, it’s good for the gander.”

“Makes sense.” She glanced out the window at Big John, letting her mind wander over possibilities, and then she looked back. “But what if it’s not National Timber? And even if it is, how do we catch the corporate saboteurs? They’ve been one step ahead of us all the way.”

“Not anymore,” Trey said. “We’re on to them now.”

“You’re right.” She smiled, feeling her confidence soar. “We’ve got a leg up. We’ll win. And when we do, I’ll get my troubleshooter fee.”

“With those big bucks, maybe you’ll take me on an Alaskan cruise where I can see lots of snow.”

“Hah! With those
little
bucks, maybe I’ll take you to see the Goodnight buffalo herd in the Panhandle.”

“That’ll work, too.”

As they laughed together, she felt most of her tension ease away. She’d try to get a line on the saboteurs before Christmas in the Country with the chili cook-off and all the other festivities.

“As long as we’re here, why don’t we slip up to your room?” Trey squeezed her hand. “Bet it’s got a good bed.”

“And shock Ruby?”

“I doubt anything’d shock her.”

“Not when it comes to cowboys, right?”

“Something like that.” He grinned as if remembering lots of things he wasn’t ever going to tell.

“Guess we’d better get this show on the road.” She picked up her phone and put it in her pocket. She reached behind the seat and got her Gene’s Boot Hospital sack that held her athletic shoes and the small fire extinguisher she’d borrowed from Trey.

“Yep. Christmas won’t wait.”

She watched as Trey got out of the truck, walked around, and opened her door. She stepped down into his arms and he hugged her tight. She inhaled his scent and felt his strong body surround her. Images of him naked above her, bringing her to peak after peak of pleasure, filled her mind.

He kissed her earlobe. “Better be good while I’m gone.”

She decided to tease him. “Can I only be bad with you?”

“Absolutely.”

She chuckled as she walked over and patted Big John’s trunk. “Hey there, you big, handsome boy.”

Trey joined her laughter. “Now don’t go making me jealous or I’ll start thinking chain saw.”

She quickly turned back. “Don’t you dare think such a thing, particularly not in Big John’s presence.”

Trey laughed harder as he put an arm around her shoulders. “Okay. So long as he doesn’t get any ideas about stealing my gal.”

“‘My gal’?”

“You know it.”

“That’d make you ‘my guy’.”

“In a heartbeat.” He gave her a hot look before he opened the sliding glass doors.

She stepped indoors, caught the scent of cinnamon, and trailed her fingers up and down the poinsettias wrapped around the swing’s chain.

“Ruby knows how to make a place feel like home, doesn’t she?” Trey said.

“She’s not the only one.” Misty tucked her hand around Trey’s arm as they walked to the inside door.

She hesitated with her hand on the doorknob, savoring their last intimate moment for a while, before she opened the door and stepped inside. She walked into the living room, saw the beautiful peacock tree, and smelled spice cake.

“Hey, Ruby.” Trey closed the door behind him.

“Welcome home,” Ruby called. “We’d about given up on seeing you two ever again.”

“Been a little busy,” Trey said.

“Busy enough to keep you out of trouble?” Ruby grinned as she looked from Trey to Misty and back again.

“Never that busy.” Trey chuckled as he walked deeper into the room.

Misty moved over to the tree, nodding in greeting to J.P. and Charlene, who were sitting together on the sofa. Ruby sat in a recliner near the fireplace with a Santa Claus mug in her hands.

“J.P. and Charlene have been asking after you,” Ruby said.

“We’d hoped you’d join us for dinner.” Charlene uncrossed her legs, drawing attention to her shapely legs—revealed by her short skirt—and her black-and-white spike heels, then crossed her legs again.

“Sorry we couldn’t make it,” Misty said.

“Ate a bite at the ranch,” Trey added.

“If you grilled bison steaks and didn’t bring me any, I’m gonna pout.” Ruby took a sip from her mug.

“Catfish. Delicious, too.” Misty smiled at the group. “Trey’s a great cook.”

“You didn’t try to impress her with steak?” Ruby appeared puzzled.

“She wanted fish,” Trey said in a neutral tone.

Ruby shrugged a shoulder. “Glad you’re here. Time to touch base on the chili cook-off.”

“We’re so excited about the benefit. We wouldn’t miss it.” Charlene turned to J.P. “We like to help animals. Don’t we, sugar?”

“Sure do, sweetkins. And I never turn down a good bowl of chili.”

“That’s great,” Misty said.

“Let’s see.” Ruby set down her mug and held up a hand to count items off on her fingers. “Slade volunteered to oversee the chili entries. Teddie’s putting your Wildcat Bluff Chili Cook-Off announcement in tomorrow’s paper. Notices are up in stores across town, not to mention word of mouth. Everybody’s excited as all get-out.”

“It’s all coming together so fast.” Misty realized the town had put on a lot of benefits so they had a system in place.

“You and Trey are judges,” Ruby added. “That’s important work, too.”

“I’d sure like to be one,” J.P. said.

“Misty?” Ruby asked.

“Why not?”

“Thanks,” J.P. said, grinning. “That’ll be fun.”

“Guess you know I got the school cafeteria squared away,” Trey added.

“Yep,” Ruby agreed. “You won’t need to do much there. Staff will take care of setting up, cleaning up, and taking down.”

“Sounds perfect,” Misty said. “Y’all are making this seem easy.”

“That’s what comes from experience.” Ruby smiled as she glanced around at the group. “We’ve danced to this tune a time or two.”

“What about decorations?” Misty asked, suddenly realizing she hadn’t even thought about that important part of an event.

“No problem. Place is already decorated for the holidays.” Ruby patted herself on the back. “And I even got my vendor to accept a special order and overnight trophies for the event. That took some doing, but Wildcat Bluff is a good customer.”

“Is there anything else we need to do?” Misty asked.

“Think we’ve got it covered for the moment. Last-minute foul-ups are bound to happen. If and when, you get to step up and solve problems.”

“I’ll be happy to do it,” Misty said. “Thanks for all the help.”

“Glad to assist our volunteer firefighters any way I can.” Ruby stood up. “May I get you something to drink or eat?”

“Thanks, but no,” Trey said. “I’m gonna run Misty up to her room and then go. Plenty to do tomorrow.”

Ruby winked at him. “You do just that.”

“Good night, everybody,” Misty said.

She quickly headed up the stairs with Trey right behind her. After she entered her suite, she set her boot bag on the desk, then turned to watch Trey shut the door. He took her in his arms and held her tight for a long moment.

“Want to try out the bed?” he asked.

“Not with folks downstairs.”

“Better let me check your room then.”

“I doubt anybody got in here.”

“Locks can be picked. No point taking chances.” He quickly looked in the bathroom, under the bed, and then opened the closet door.

She glanced over his shoulder. “That’s odd.”

“What?”

“That towel shouldn’t be on the floor. I used it to cover up a decoration.”

He walked into the closet, picked up the towel, then reached up and pulled down the angel. “You didn’t want to see this?”

“Too many memories.”

“What about now?”

She smiled warmly. “Let’s set her back on the desk. I’d like to share my room with a Christmas angel.”

“I’d like to do the same.” He grinned at her with a knowing glint in his eyes. He set the angel on the desk. He hit the button and played “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”

“Beautiful.” She looked down at the angel in her white satin gown playing a golden harp. Only good memories came now. “I’m so glad I can enjoy Christmas. Thank you again.”

“Least I could do for my Christmas angel.” He pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose, and then glanced around the room. “Would you look and see if anything else is disturbed? Maybe the towel fell when your room was cleaned today.”

“Ruby and I agreed no cleaning till I asked for it.” She walked back into her closet and reached behind her large suitcase for the small bag containing her laptop and handbag. She froze. The bag was there, but off to one side. She quickly pulled it out and set it on the bed to check the lock.

“What is it?” Trey walked over to her.

“Nothing, I guess. I put my laptop and purse in here and hid it behind my suitcase. This bag wasn’t exactly where I thought I’d left it. But maybe I’m mistaken.”

“Is it still locked?”

She quickly checked. “Yes.”

“That’s good. But I’d rest easier if you were with me.”

“I’ll be fine. I’m probably overthinking the situation.” She hesitated and looked up at him. “And if somebody is watching us, we don’t want to change our pattern.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “If anything odd happens, call me. Day or night.”

“Will do.” She wound her arms around his neck and kissed him, languidly and indulgently, stoking the fire between them.